The selection of topics to be included in the long-term program of work is a part of the working methods of the International Law Commission. A good selection of topics provides a good start to the Commission’s work and fulfills its double function of the progressive development and codification of international law. The process of selecting works for the longterm program of work now faces numerous challenges such as the appearance of new areas of international law and the increased engagement of States and international organizations in the preparation of new conventions outside the Commission’s channel. The challenges call for further improvement of criteria for the selection of works to preserve and enhance the quality of the Commission’s work. This article will briefly highlight the process of the selection of works in the Commission’s history and focus on the implementation of criteria for the selection of topics used during various times, and their advantages and limitations.

I. Introduction
II. Selection of Works for the International LawCommission
III. Implementation of the 1998 Criteria for SelectingTopics through the Long-term Program of Work ofthe ILC
    A. Integration of Progressive Development and Codification inSelecting Topics
    B. Needs and Pressing Concerns of the International Community
    C. No Duplication with the Work of Other Bodies
IV. Conclusion

• Hong Thao Nguyen(Member of the International Law Commission of the United Nations (2017-21 / 2022-27); Professor at Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Law, Vietnam; Senior Lecturer at the Diplomacy Academy of Vietnam and the National University of Hanoi. B.A (Baku Military Navigation U.), MD/Ph.D. (U. Paris I-Pantheon-Sorbone, France))